Chicken Parmesan

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts cut in half lengthwise to make 4 thin filets
• 2 eggs, beaten
• ½ tsp salt & pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
• ⅓ cup regular Italian bread crumbs
• ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 Tbsp Tuscan blend
• ⅓ cup olive oil

For the tomato sauce:

• 2 tsp olive oil
• 1/3 cup minced shallot or yellow onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 8 oz can of tomato sauce
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 Tbsp Tuscan Blend
• 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
• 1/4 tsp red chili flakes

For the toppings:

• 3/4 cup grated mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. In a large baking dish combine the eggs, garlic and salt & pepper and mix together. Add chicken filets, cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. While chicken is in the refrigerator, heat 2 tsp olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. When oil is hot add shallot/onion and cook for 3 minutes, stirring a few times. Add garlic and continue to cook and stir for 3 more minutes. Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, Tuscan blend, salt & pepper and chili flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Heat oven to 425°F. Cover a rimmed cook sheet or sheet pan with parchment paper.
4. Remove the chicken from the fridge. In a shallow dish combine 2 types of bread crumbs, ⅓ cup grated parmesan and 1 Tbsp Tuscan Blend and stir to combine all ingredients. Heat ⅓ cup of olive oil over medium high heat in a frying pan. As oil heats up, take a chicken filet and place in the bread crumb mixture and press bread crumbs into the chicken so they stick. Cook chicken in the frying pan, flipping once until the breading is golden brown on both sides. Remove from the pan and place on the parchment paper lined sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining 3 chicken filets.
5. Take the tomato sauce and divide it evenly over the 4 chicken filets evenly. Do the same with the grated mozzarella and then the grated parmesan. Place in the preheated oven and cook for 15-20 minutes. Check after 15 minutes and see if the cheese has started to brown in places. If not, cook for 5 minutes more. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Top with fresh basil or parsley and enjoy. Can be served with pasta, rice, a side salad or vegetable of your choice.